OBU’s oldest musical ensemble, founded more than 70 years ago, the Symphonic Band will perform a variety of compositions including works for the standard wind band and contemporary band repertoire.

“The emphasis of this particular program is on a few ‘chosen gems’ from the past,” said Hansford. “Four of the band works are traditional classic band compositions. Two are by Percy Aldridge Grainger, written during the first two decades of the century. The other two are by Robert Jager and John Barnes Chance, composed during the late 1960’s.”

The evening’s concert also will include “Third Suite” by Robert Jager; “Variations on a Korean Folk Song” by John Barnes Chance; “Shepherd’s Dance” from “Amahl and the Night Visitors” by Gian Carlo Menotti; “Adagio” by Tomaso Albinoni arranged by Jacob de Haan; “Into the Light” by Jay Bocook; “Shepherd’s Hey” and “Ye Banks and Braes, O’Bonnie Doon” by Percy Grainger; and “Symphony No. 1, In Memoriam Dresden- 1945” by Daniel Bukvich.

The 2007 edition of the Symphonic Band features members from 10 states. Half of the band members are music majors, while the remaining members have majors from chemistry and computer science to cross-cultural ministry and elementary education.

On its spring tour this year, the Symphonic Band traveled with the Bison Jazz Orchestra to the Oklahoma and Texas panhandles, presenting concerts in schools and churches.

Two graduating seniors will be recognized during the concert. Andrew Butler is a church music major from Bowling Green, Ky., and Esther Chapelle is a music education major from Chandler, Okla.

“The leadership, inspiration, and support they have provided to our ensemble the last four years is greatly appreciated and they will be sincerely missed,” Hansford said of the seniors.

Hansford earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi, and completed his master’s and Ph.D. degrees at the University of North Texas. He has served as conductor of the Baptist All-State Symphonic Band since 1992 and has traveled with the group across the United States and internationally to England and Canada.

Hansford also has served as conductor of the OBU/Shawnee Community Orchestra since it’s inception in 2002.

The public is invited to the April 26 concert. There is no admission charge.